EVs are changing how we view and use energy. As EV adoption continues to rise, there is a parallel challenge that comes into play: balancing the electricity grid.
EV grid balancing ensures that our power infrastructure can cope with the increasing demand for electricity by EVs, facilitating a sustainable transition to a cleaner mode of transportation.
How EV grid balancing works
Grid balancing, at its core, is about matching electricity supply with demand. With traditional vehicles, refuelling is based on a separate infrastructure (fuel stations).
However, EVs rely on the power grid – the same one powering homes and businesses.
During peak charging times, such as when commuters return home in the evening, there can be a massive spike in electricity demand. If not managed, this can lead to grid instability or blackouts.
There is a variety of challenges that pose threats to the stability of the national grid, potentially resulting in service disruptions or complete blackouts:
- Ageing grid infrastructure: Much of the existing infrastructure has been in place for decades and may not be equipped to generate electricity that is enough for today’s heightened and ever-growing needs.
- Demand inconsistencies: Sudden surges in electricity consumption can overburden the system, resulting in potential blackouts. Conversely, during times of diminished demand, excess energy can go unused due to limited storage options.
- Dependence on conventional energy sources: The limited availability or disruptions in traditional energy resources, such as coal and gas, can compromise the consistent operation of power plants. This can exert additional pressure on the grid, sometimes leading to energy deficits.
- Variable renewable energy outputs: While renewables like wind and solar are essential for a sustainable future, their output can be inconsistent due to factors like weather conditions, making the task of matching energy supply with demand more challenging.
Learn more: Help the grid power with Monta
How the EV grid could be balanced
There are several ways to help balance the grid and manage increased electricity demand ensuring the stability of power systems.
- Adjusting electricity production: Utilities can ramp up or down their electricity production based on the demand.
- Variable pricing: Electricity prices can vary depending on the time of day. Charging during off-peak times might be cheaper, encouraging EV owners to charge their cars then.
- Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) systems: This allows charged EVs to send power back to the grid during peak demand periods, acting as a temporary energy storage solution.
- Other features: There are other initiatives that help balance the grid. For example, PowerBank is a Monta app feature that connects different charge points to the electrical grid system and briefly pauses and resumes charging activities when detecting a grid imbalance. This is a preventative solution that detects the imbalance of the grid and briefly pauses ongoing EV charges to improve the grid’s reliability and prevent blackouts.
FAQ
What is Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)?
V2G is a system where electric vehicles, when plugged in, can communicate with the power grid to sell demand response services by returning electricity to the grid.
How does smart EV charging reduce strain on the grid?
Smart EV charging systems can delay or prioritise charging based on grid demand, charging vehicles during off-peak times or when renewable energy generation is high.
Is there any incentive for EV or charge point owners to participate in grid balancing?
Many utility providers offer reduced rates or financial incentives for EV owners who charge their vehicles during off-peak times or provide energy back to the grid.
We at Monta introduced PowerBank – a preventative solution that detects the imbalance of the grid and briefly pauses ongoing EV charges to improve the grid reliability and prevent blackouts while rewarding charge point owners for letting us do that.
How do renewable energy sources factor into EV grid balancing?
Renewable sources, like wind and solar, can be unpredictable. By storing excess energy in EV batteries during high-generation periods, it can be fed back into the grid when production is low.
Will EV grid balancing mean my car won’t be charged when I need it?
No, smart charging solutions like PowerBank prioritise user needs. If you specify a time by which your car needs to be fully charged, the system will ensure it’s ready by that time, even while optimising for grid health.
